Free upgrades to Windows 10 end July 29

Microsoft released a blog post yesterday announcing that Windows 10 has reached 300 million active users. While that news wouldn’t cause much of a stir on its own, the blog includes a reminder that the operating system is nearing its first anniversary. Windows 10 was released on July 29 of last year, and July 29 of this year will mark the end of the Windows 10 free upgrade program.

Windows 10 has been a free upgrade for eligible Windows 7 and Windows 8 users since it was launched. Microsoft stepped up the pressure by making the OS a recommended update through Windows Update back in February. This move meant that users had to actively refuse to update to Windows 10. That may mean that anyone wanting to upgrade to Microsoft's latest operating system has already done so.

The aggressiveness of the Windows 10 upgrade program has drawn criticism from users who have no desire to move to the new OS. Those users might welcome the end of the free upgrade program. Indeed, Microsoft told WinBeta that the "Get Windows 10" app responsible for upgrade reminders will be turned off and "eventually removed" from Windows PCs.

If you're on the fence about taking advantage of the free upgrade offer before it expires, Microsoft unsurprisingly says that anyone upgrading to Windows 10 after July 29 will be required to purchase the operating system. Newegg sells a Windows 10 Home license on a USB thumb drive for $129.99.